At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform cultural services, enhancing community wellbeing and economic growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to culture and heritage in Herefordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for diversity and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community life through culture and heritage initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in cultural services and strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 63303 - 70596 £ per year.
About The Role
Hours: 37 per week
Salary: £63,303 - £70,596
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hereford
Closing date: Thursday 11th June 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed – July onwards
Introduction
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for culture, heritage and public service? Do you have the vision and drive to lead major cultural services and programmes that make a real difference to people’s lives? This is a pivotal moment for Herefordshire. We are reshaping how cultural services are delivered, alongside investing in major infrastructure such as the redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery and the new Hereford Library and Learning Centre.
As Head of Cultural Services, you will lead a significant programme of service transformation across museums, libraries, archives, public art and cultural programming. You will modernise how services operate, improve sustainability and ensure culture plays a central role in wellbeing, economic growth and community life.
The Role
This role sits at the heart of our Community Wellbeing directorate and plays a key part in delivering the Council Plan and Herefordshire’s Cultural Strategy. In this senior leadership role, you will:
- Lead the transformation and modernisation of cultural services to ensure they are sustainable, efficient and responsive to community needs
- Provide strategic leadership for all cultural services including museums, libraries and archives
- Lead or support the delivery of major capital projects from development through to completion
- Shape and deliver cultural programming that supports health, wellbeing and economic growth
- Manage significant funding programmes and secure external investment
- Develop and implement cultural strategies, policies and service plans
- Build strong partnerships with local, regional and national organisations and funders
- Represent the council on the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership Board
- Champion culture across the council, ensuring it is embedded in wider services and priorities
- Lead and develop high performing teams, setting clear expectations and driving improvement
- Act as the council’s lead advisor on cultural, heritage and library services
We Offer
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
- Salary range of £63,303 - £70,596
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk.
Creating an inclusive workplace
We encourage our employees to feel empowered and to use their voices to help embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and shape our organisation. We have eight employee network groups, collectives of colleagues who often share identities, life experiences or cultures and offer support and community.
For more information on our Employee Network Groups please view our dedicated recruitment website: www.spiritofherefordshire.com.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Head of Cultural Services in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
As an employer, Herefordshire Council offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where cultural services play a vital role in enhancing community wellbeing. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the cultural landscape of Hereford. The council's commitment to diversity and employee support, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme and professional development opportunities, makes it an exceptional place to work for those passionate about culture and public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cultural Services in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the cultural sector, attend events, and connect with local organisations. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for culture and community shine through. Share your vision for how you can make a difference in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s current projects and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around service transformation and community wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cultural Services in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culture:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for culture and heritage shine through. We want to see how your vision aligns with our mission to make a real difference in people's lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in cultural services and leadership. We’re looking for strategic leaders, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Cultural Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into Herefordshire's cultural scene. Familiarise yourself with local museums, libraries, and any recent initiatives. This will not only show your passion but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the transformation of cultural services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a strategic leader, it's crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in cultural or public service settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and drive change.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about your vision for cultural services and how you plan to implement sustainable practices. Think about specific strategies you've used before and be ready to discuss how they could apply to the role at Herefordshire.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build partnerships by discussing previous collaborations with local or national organisations. Be prepared to share how you would engage with stakeholders to enhance cultural programming and secure funding.
